Prescription Drugs Allergies and Florida Medical Malpractice Claims

Many people suffer from seasonal allergies, reactions to pet dander, and issues after eating certain types of foods, but allergic reactions to prescription medications are also a considerable problem. Statistics published by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reveal that adverse drug reactions affect an estimated 10 percent of patients – and up to 20 percent of all individuals who receive medications while hospitalized. Plus, reactions to medication are linked to around 1 in 5 deaths from anaphylaxis.

You can address known allergies by avoiding the animals and foods that trigger them, and taking medications different times of the year. However, patients are in a vulnerable position when a physician negligently prescribes or administers medication. You may have legal remedies if you were harmed, and a Florida medical malpractice lawyer can assess your options. An overview of the relevant concepts may also be useful.

The Human Body’s Response to Allergens: An allergic reaction is generally the result of an immune system sensitivity to certain substances, and there are many that can trigger such an event. In a normal individual, the body’s immune system will react to the introduction of a chemical by releasing another chemical to eliminate it. For someone with allergies, the amount released is too high, leading to effects in other areas.

Signs of Allergic Reaction to Prescription Drugs: Symptoms of an allergic reaction to medication may manifest in different ways depending on the chemical the immune system releases as a response – and how much. In the most severe cases of drug allergies, the symptoms may include:

• Rash, skin irritation, or hives;
• Dizziness and feeling faint;
• Problems breathing, at times due to swelling of the tongue, lips, or throat;
• Racing heart rate;
• Vomiting; or,
• Anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening condition that constricts airways and can lead to heart attack or death.
  

Prescription Drug Allergies and Medical Malpractice: An allergic reaction to prescription medication can occur through no fault of the physician’s, but negligence can also be a factor in some situations. For instance, you may have a claim for medical malpractice if a health care provider prescribed or administered a drug knowing that:

• You were allergic to a specific medication;
• You had past reactions to drugs in falling into certain classifications;
• Certain medications can cause allergic reactions with higher dosages; or,
• You were taking another drug that creates an allergic reaction when it interacts with some medications.
  

Physicians should know your medical history from your chart, medical records, and discussions with you, so it is careless to make these types of prescription mistakes.

Talk to Our Florida Medical Malpractice Attorneys About Your Rights 

At Freidin Brown, P.A., our Miami medical malpractice lawyers handle all types of med mal cases, including those involving negligence in prescribing or administering medications. We can tell you more about your legal remedies after reviewing your circumstances, so please contact us to set up a free consultation. We can meet with you at our offices to answer your questions and explain your options.